Head coach Matt Nagy refuses to even open the door, but that hasn’t stopped Chicago Bears fans from continuing their calls. They don’t want to endure Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback. They’ve seen his type too many times over the years. Smart and serviceable but also lacking in true game-breaking ability. Why is the team even bothering with this charade? Start Justin Fields and move forward.
Nagy still won’t budge on that. He believes this is what’s best for his young QB. However, that may not last much longer. Dalton has not looked good through two preseason games. If this carries over into the regular season and the Bears falter through the first two or three weeks? The head coach may change his tune. Nagy is known for tinkering with things when it’s clear something isn’t working. It’s possible Fields might see action early in the season.
If so, what could his production end up looking like?
Prominent draft expert Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network knows this quarterback class well. He did a deep dive on the entire 1st round group, determining what the best and worst-case scenarios will be for all. Then he posted what he believes is the most likely stat line they’ll end up with at season’s end. If what he says is true, then it looks like Fields will be holding some franchise records.
“Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 overall
Best-case scenario: Fields takes over the starting job a few games into the season and brings life to the Bears’ offense. His athleticism helps cover up some holes in the offensive line and generates big plays down the field. He forms an instant connection with Allen Robinson on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Worst-case scenario: He sits. I know there is the Patrick Mahomes precedent, but I don’t think Fields needs to follow that plan. He’s played at a high level against the best competition in college football. I think sitting him for the majority of the season would be a mistake.
Projected stats: 2,800 passing yards, 18 TDs and 11 INTs; 550 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs.”
As of today, Mitch Trubisky holds the rookie record for passing yards with 2,193. Charlie O’Rourke holds the mark for touchdown passes with 11 in 1942. If Fields achieved what Jeremiah projects, he would blow both marks out of the water. A rather sad reminder of how pitiful the Bears’ quarterback history is. Throw in those great rushing numbers though and it can easily be called a strong first season.
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Justin Fields has continued to handle the situation perfectly
Every time he’s been asked about the starting job, he has made it clear his focus is on getting better and supporting Dalton as much as possible. Sure he wants to start. Any competitor in his right might would want to. That doesn’t mean he is going to cause unnecessary distractions by campaigning for it. He plans to do what is asked of him, work hard, and eventually, his time will come.
There is no questioning Justin Fields’ talent. He has displayed it a number of times through the first two weeks of the preseason. Yet like any rookie, he had teaching moments too. Sometimes he’d abandon the pocket too quickly. Others he’d fail to pick a blitz before the snap. These are all things a young quarterback will learn with time. Nagy wants him to do it from the safety of the sideline.
Whether he can maintain that stance?
That depends on Dalton. The Bears head coach really needs the veteran to at least be passable early in the season. If he looks anything like he did against Miami and Buffalo? The calls for Fields will grow deafening. Nagy waited just three games to bench Trubisky for Nick Foles last year. So he isn’t afraid to use the quick hook when something isn’t working. Don’t be surprised if it happens again here.
